Rape suspect released over COVID-19 concern kills accuser

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (WUSA/AP) -- Ibrahm E. Bouaichi died Saturday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound that severely hurt the man Wednesday.

Alexandria Police said Bouaichi, a rape suspect released from jail in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, went on to kill the woman who had accused him.

The Washington Post reports that Bouaichi was tracked down by authorities on Wednesday. But he shot himself and was in grave condition on Thursday.

Bouaichi was indicted last year on charges that included rape, strangulation and abduction. He was jailed without bond in Alexandria. The woman testified against him in Alexandria District Court in December.

When the pandemic hit, Bouaichi's lawyers argued that he should be freed awaiting trial because the virus endangered both inmates and their attorneys. He was released on $25,000 bond over the objections of a prosecutor.

Circuit Court Judge Nolan Dawkins released Bouaichi on the condition that he only leave his Maryland home to meet with his lawyers or pretrial services officials.

Alexandria Police say that Bouaichi, 33, fatally shot the woman in late July.

Authorities said that federal marshals and Alexandria Police spotted and pursued Bouaichi in Prince George's County on Wednesday. He crashed his vehicle and apparently shot himself, authorities said.

MORE:

• Released prisoner accused of raping, killing Virginia woman has died - Washington Post

• Rape suspect dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound after being charged for killing his accuser in Alexandria, police say - WUSA

TRUE CRIME DAILY: Coronavirus-related crime coverage - TCD